ECHO seeks Thanksgiving donations, volunteers

JANESVILLE  When all is said and done, the folks at ECHO are hoping more area families have something to be thankful for this year.

“We expect to assist over 1,100 families compared to the 933 families in 2009, said Jessica Schafer, client advocate, in a press release.

To meet the demand, ECHO is seeking volunteers to help decorate bags, or “baskets,” groceries will be put in before being distributed.

“(The bags) will be available at the ECHO office, 65 S. High St., starting Wednesday, Oct. 20,’’ Schafer said. “They can be returned any time before Thursday, Nov. 18.”

Other volunteers also are needed to bake cookies or bars and package them by the dozen in sealable bags, Schafer said. These baked good should be delivered to the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave., between 7 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, or to the ECHO office between 9 a.m. and noon Friday, Nov. 19, she said.

Those who prefer to haul, pack or distribute Thanksgiving baskets to families in need can also pitch in to help Saturday, Nov. 20.

Haulers will travel to Sentry West, 2501 W. Court St., to pick up groceries starting at 7 a.m. Those who want to unload groceries and assemble baskets are needed from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds.

Even more volunteers are needed to carry groceries for people from 9:30 am. to noon. To help, call ECHO at (608) 754-5333.

Each basket will contain a turkey, all the fixings and dessert.

Those who don’t have time to volunteer also can help by sponsoring a Thanksgiving meal. A $30 donation to ECHO accomplishes that.

Income-eligible Janesville residents should apply for Thanksgiving baskets between Oct. 18 and Nov. 19, at the ECHO office, Schafer said.

ECHO has been serving the community since 1970, when just 25 families were given Thanksgiving baskets.